Sponsored by Jaquar Group, the event put forth inspiring, innovative insights from global and regional thought leaders on building a more design-inclusive India.
The biggest confluence of most sought-after creative minds from global art, craft, architecture, food and design industry congregated for a two-day festival – DesignX got concluded on 15th September at Hotel Taj Palace in Delhi. Leading the event was its Chief Curator – Padma Shri Sunita Kohli – India’s most celebrated interior designer and architectural restorer. She was supported by a team of curators comprising eminent professionals including Art curator – Farah Siddiqui, Director, FSCA; Interior architecture curator – Kohelika Kohli, CEO and Creative Director, K2 India; Crafts curators – Rahul Jain and Gunjan Arora, Thread Artistes.
Sponsored by Jaquar Group, DesignX was a themed and microcosmic celebration of the FIVE SENSES through visual displays of the best of Indian designs, Indian Arts and Indian Crafts and its various tactile experiences. Powered by A-Class Marbles, Times Strategic Solutions Ltd. was the organiser of the event.
DesignX enabled the participants to witness conversations with provocative speakers, live competitions, exhibitions, professional development sessions, experience zones, and face-to-face round tables with design heroes. The sessions focussed on the philosophy of FIVE SENSES and discussions on topics ranging to cover design for designers, design for all and beyond design. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Karan Singh.
Speaking on the concept of DesignX, Padma Shri Sunita Kohli, Chief Curator, said, “Design since time immemorial has been a preferred way to express, communicate and connect by humans. India has a rich legacy – be it the ancient ruins of Indus Valley or the adorned temples of Varanasi or Gujarat to the scenic tombs of Agra and Hyderabad – design has been a sacred thread that has managed to bind diverse cultures and preferences into the very idea of India. The idea of DesignX is to celebrate the richness and diversity of art and design in everything we feel or see or live by. It is an honour to be in the company of such ignited minds across global design ecosystem and experience their perspectives. I am looking forward to two days of inspiration and insights.”
Commenting on the event, Deepak Lamba, President, Times Strategic Solutions Ltd., said, “The Indian design industry was largely limited to the elite and at one point in time was synonymous to luxury. With the rise in purchasing power, global exposure and more and more entrepreneurs dedicated to create awareness and make design affordable – the industry is set to witness orbital shift in terms of growth. We at TSSL believe it is important to support and celebrate diverse industries that are witnessing a shift – as the process involves dialogue, collaboration and knowledge sharing and sustained innovation.”
Lamba further added that DesignX aspires to be one such platform globally – uniting those who have the perspectives with those who have the resources and well as execution capability. “This year we are honoured to have among us celebrated dignitaries to share their views and enlighten as well as enthrall the participants – thereby partnering our efforts to push India to the top of global design landscape in the coming years. We thank our partners, collaborators and teams to help us to present such an audacious dream. We look forward to successfully hosting the event in the next two days.”
Speaking on the synergies of what Jaquar offers and theme of the event, i.e., the design, Mohit Haleja, Group Head, Business Development, Jaquar Group, has been quoted as saying, “In a fast-changing era with a number of varied factors like technology, demographic shifts, global warming, and unexpected climate changes; the only thing that remains constant is the element of design that can shape better life and help creating a lasting experience in one’s life. For this, architects and designers need to re-think and re-invent ways to interpret their experiences with products, spaces, and life at large. This can be attained simply by adding value of personalisation to the products and services.”
He further added that sustainability today needs to be embraced as a way of life and every designer has to approach design differently in a world with depleting resources. It is imperative to source right, innovate frugal and design smart – to deliver on challenges of smart sustainable habitat. Jaquar Group has built sustainability into the tenets of its design, delivering unmatched quality products into complete bathroom and lightning solutions to state proudly made in India for the world.
Led by the Chief Curator, Sunita Kohli (Padma Shri), the event hosted eminent speakers and panelists from around the globe. It was a holistic event comprising of an unforgettable assortment – conversations with provocative speakers, live competitions, exhibitions, professional development sessions, experience zones, and face-to-face round tables with design heroes.
About Times Strategic Solutions Ltd.
Times Strategic Solutions Ltd., functional under the brand name ET Edge, is an Economic Times initiative founded to empower multiple industries and segments by sharing critical business knowledge through strategic conferences, exhibitions and summits. Encompassing the Indian business vista, ET Edge strives to bring together visionaries and key leaders on its knowledge platforms to create social and business ecology conducive to the positive changes required by the industry.
